Canadian Connection - English Teaching Jobs in Korea

I felt extremely prepared in terms of things to expect; differences in culture; teaching methods; the co-teachers; apartments; and general things about Korea. During orientation, English teachers from other companies seemed less informed about different aspects about teaching in South Korea.

The staff were amazing throughout the course of my application from when I started until I started teaching. They were very thorough with the entire process, helping me complete my documents, giving instructions for the day of travel, and setting us up with the Orientation in Korea.

As someone who had very little experience with travelling and living away from home, going to Korea through Canadian Connection was a very good decision. They made the process of applying super easy, where they took care of all the paperwork and direct communication with employers. The job they offered me was with a reputable employer, which I later found to be legitimate, trusting, and credible. I have heard so many horror stories before of people winding up with bad employers, but I have been with this current job for 9 months so far and have had nothing but positive experiences.

I went though the Jeollanamdo Language Program, which offered me a job in a small town in the southern part of South Korea. I was given an extensive 10-day orientation at a hotel (all expenses paid) where I met many friends, was introduced to Korea and Korean culture, and learned more about what to expect on the job. Many of the friends I met at this orientation still remain my close friends today, and we often hang out on weekends to explore the area, travel, or take Korean language courses. My teaching job is quite pleasant and my rent-free apartment is nice to have as I can turn it into my own private personalized space.

Some highlights so far include: taking Korean classes, meeting new people through the active foreigner community in Jeollanamdo, going to various events hosted by the foreigner community, trying new foods at Korean restaurants, travelling to Thailand and Malaysia on my paid vacation dates, checking out temples and festivals in the area, paying off my student loans, and gaining a once-in-a-lifetime experience of living and working with another culture.

Some difficulties I encountered included homesickness, culture shock, and the challenges associated with living on your own for the first time. Homesickness and culture shock happens to everyone, but it really helps if you get out, meet people, and keep busy!

Overall, I would recommend anyone to do this, especially if you want an international experience.

I am really grateful to the staff at Canadian Connection for all of their support. I love life in Korea and I am currently teaching my second year in a middle school (located in Seoul). Given the opportunity, I will continue to build a life in Korea.

I think that if I was in Canada and had to prepare for Korea all over again, I would have packed differently. Canadian Connection does give you an extensive and very helpful list of things that you should pack, however, I realize that there were many things I could have left behind. For example, I spent quite a bit of money and packed quite a few toiletries and medicines... but I live in Seoul where everything is accessible and available. I also bought a new pair of glasses in Canada, which was another big expense, only to find that glasses are EXTREMELY CHEAP in Korea.

I love my community and the people here are great. The Korean education system is different from Canada, so it will be an adjustment, however, if you have an open mind and are flexible you will be successful!

I do have to say that teaching ESL is not quite the satisfying job that I thought it would be. Even though your co-teachers might be very supportive, the students have a tendency to really push their boundaries with a Native English Teacher. Classroom management is definitely the biggest challenge in the public school system. This is the hardest part for me- I have my Bachelor of Education in Canada and teaching ESL is not the same as teaching curriculum. I find that, although the students are extremely friendly and really love you as a teacher, it is hard to connect with them on a personal level. You will hear a lot of "I'm fine thank you, and you".... and then that's the extent of the conversation :) (it's pretty endearing actually).

As for professional development.... I realize that ESL as a life long career is not the best match for me. I would not consider getting a Master's degree in ESL. Personally, I would rather teach subject curriculum in my first language so I am researching job opportunities in International Schools. I also speak French so I am considering teaching ESL in a French speaking country so that I may communicate a little better with the students. Classroom management and personal, more intimate conversations with students would be easier if I had a working knowledge of THEIR first language. (I do know some Korean, but it is very limited)

Obviously there are many unexpected challenges that arise- that is the nature of teaching! I would say the biggest piece of advice for new teachers is to have a healthy lifestyle outside of teaching. GO OUTSIDE and enjoy this beautiful country! Don't spend all your time on the computer when you go home at the end of the day. Don't just spend all of your time with other Native English teachers- make Korean friends! Also, I highly suggest that (if you are in a large city like Seoul or Busan) you leave the city at least once a month and travel around the countryside.

The local community is quite welcoming. Respect is reciprocal- give it to get it! However, keep in mind that it is a metropolitan city with a huge and dense population, so there are bound to be some rude people. Try not to take it personally!

I honestly have to say that connecting with Canadian Connection and taking that first step towards teaching in Korea has been the best decision that I have ever made. Thanks to everyone!

Canadian Connection is the best recruiting company I have ever used. Shane and his staff answer any enquiries an applicant may have promptly and professionally. They provide the applicant with a detailed list of the application and VISA process including checklists to make sure you've got it all. They're also very upfront with what the new teacher is going to experience, they want us to be successful, so the teacher has a realistic expectation of what to expect in Korea. A Canadian Connection staff member travels to Korea with us and is available at orientation if we have any issues. Shane travelled with us to our first orientation and when we used his company again 3 years later, Katie came with us. Both were AWESOME people! This is an amazing recruiting company and if you're coming to Korea, they're the people you need.

I am so happy I made the decision to sign up for a teaching position with Canadian Connection! Between the application and visa process, the orientation, the consistent update emails and alerts, Canadian Connection makes sure you are well taken care of!

The orientation helped make the transition to Korea easier, and it provided everyone with a strong, solid support system of friends to turn to - you all share the experience together!

Shane and the rest of the Canadian Connection staff personally make sure you are settled and they will help you with any problems you may have. I highly, highly recommend this reliable and legitimate program if you want to become a teacher in South Korea!

After setting my heart on teaching overseas, I did a vast amount of research on ideal places to go, ultimately concluding that South Korea was the best fit for me. My criteria were salary, safety, comfort, teaching opportunity (teaching is my occupation), cost of living, cultural experiences, and vacation/opportunity to travel. No other country offers these to the degree that South Korea does. Canadian Connection did an amazing job of preparing me for my employment abroad, from walking me through the necessary steps to get my visa and other documents, to answering random questions I had about my upcoming culture and experience. They made themselves available through email, skype, and phone calls. The Korean culture is rapidly changing from a traditional Confucian and Buddhist base to a more globalized society, and my placement in a rural area offered plenty of both. The students' English abilities and behaviors were very diverse, however if you come with the right attitude and a love for teaching and experiencing new things then you will fit right in to their hospitable culture. The food is great, the vacation is fantastic (especially considering Korea's geographic location), and the Korean and foreign communities alike are extremely inviting and loving. An absolutely amazing opportunity for anyone in any walk of life, and Canadian Connection is an amazing, personalized recruitment agency to go through.

I had a wonderful experience with Canadian Connection. The staff (Shane and Michael) were always available via telephone or email whenever I had any questions or concerns; before I came to Korea and while I was in Korea. The first couple of days here are a big adjustment, and it was a comfort to have one of their staff here (Katie!). They do their absolute best to make sure that you will receive as positive an experience as possible, by preparing an information package about what to expect in Korea (although nothing will really prepare you for the hands on experience! It was nice to have a guideline). Because they are a smaller recruiter, I felt like they really cared about their teachers and the quality of their teachers that they accept.

I am a person who hates change and am very attached to my family and comfort zone. Taking a leap and coming to Korea was a flood of emotions...excitement, fear, anticipation, hesitation, just to name a few. I truly feel that had it not been for Canadian Connections, my transition would not have been nearly as smooth and I may have already turned around and gone home. They made sure I was prepared for everything. They were always available for questions and were excellent at keeping in touch on a daily basis for any type of question. This is an excellent agency and would recommend it to anyone that is taking a risk and a leap in life. Canadian Connections is the way to go!